TLA GODORT/MARCIVE "Knowledge is Power" Award
Cathy Nelson Hartman
A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governours, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives. -- James Madison
"Knowledge is Power" Award Recipient for 2003
The TLA GODORT Awards Committee and MARCIVE, Inc. are pleased to announce Cathy Nelson Hartman as the recipient of the TLA GODORT/MARCIVE "Knowledge is Power" Award for 2003. This award honors an individual recognized by his or her peers as being an active supporter and advocate for the use of government information in education, research, and/or commerce. The award is supported by a $400 contribution by MARCIVE, Inc.
Cathy Hartman has served at the University of North Texas Libraries since 1995, first as Electronic Resources Coordinator and Texas Documents Librarian, and more recently as the Head of the Government Documents Department and Fellow of the Center for Digital Knowledge. Previous to 1995, Ms. Hartman served as a librarian at Austin College in Sherman, Texas.
As a colleague noted: "Cathy Nelson Hartman's professional career is dedicated to the fundamental principle that the public has the right to reliable and permanent public access to government information regardless of format ... It is her willingness to take risks and put into practice her ideals that sets her apart."
Hartman was the driving force behind the creation of what is known as the "CyberCemetery." This University of North Texas Libraries Internet site preserves and provides access to 22 defunct federal agency and commission web sites. In order to make this site a reality, Hartman wrote grant proposals, trained existing staff for new skills, and selected creative and talented graduate students to carry out much of the work.
Hartman has also been actively involved in improving electronic access to Texas documents. She worked with the Texas State Library to provide MARC cataloging records to Texas Depository Libraries. She initiated an agreement with the Texas Secretary of State to preserve and digitize the Texas Register. Non-current electronic files of this important resource are available and permanently archived on the University of North Texas Libraries' Website. Hartman was a lead member in the development and implementation of the Texas State Electronic Documents Depository Program. Currently, Hartman is involved in the development of "The Portal of Texas History." This Web site will provide access to digital copies of important, original materials held in libraries, museums, and other non-profit institutions. "The Portal of Texas History" will be a rich and valuable resource for K-12 students, university students, educators, and researchers.
Hartman has been active professionally in the American Library Association and Texas Library Association. She has shared her expertise regarding electronic digitization, access and preservation through numerous publications, presentations and the creation of best practice standards. She has served on and is currently the Chair of the Federal Depository Library Council to the Public Printer. The primary focus of the Council is to advise the United States Public Printer, the Superintendent of Documents, and Government Printing Office on matters dealing with the Federal Depository Library Program. Ms. Hartman's skillful leadership was needed this year as tightening budget conditions led members of Congress and the Executive Branch to question the value of the Federal Depository Library Program.
For her advocacy of government documents, for her service, and for her dedication to patrons and the community, TLA GODORT and MARCIVE, Inc. are pleased to present this award to Cathy Nelson Hartman.
